Dohuk is an odd kind of town. You've never been in one like it before and you'll never be in one like it again. In fact, the nearest comparison I can make to Dohuk is with a town called Vank in Nagorno Karabakh. Basically Dohuk wants to be cool. It really wants to be. But it has a lot of barriers to overcome. Slowly but surely this town is becoming a decent spot for travellers. Even though you won't linger long (we stayed 2 nights), it's definitely worth a trip if you're touring Northern Iraq.
My top 5 things to do in Dohuk
1. Promenade Walk: The Corniche
Running long and windingly through the city, and right out to Dohuk Dam, this trendy and smart looking promenade makes a fresh and relaxing walk. Students hang around to study, old men chat, kids mess around and the big city carries on regardless up above. I ended up walking almost the whole way along it. That was probably too much - it needs a bit of work done to it, but it's pleasant enough.
2. Dohuk Valley and Dam
This might just be your highlight from Dohuk. Walk out of town and you will see a massive dam which has been built against completely immaculate and scenic countryside. The walk takes you up a hill past a proud Kurdistan flag and then there it is - the Dohuk Dam.
The valley spreads far and wide and the views are worth it.
3. The Dohuk Waterfall
Amazingly in Dohuk they have created these fake waterfalls which make for a cool tourist attraction. The locals love to walk past them and enjoy them. Photo taking also happens a lot here. The waterfalls are on the edge of town.
4. Dohuk Bazaar
It seems that every city or town of any decent size in Iran, Iraq and Turkey has a bazaar. Dohuk's is colourful and has all the usual stuff - fruit and veg stalls, drinks, clothes, nik baks, electronics etc.
5. Dohuk Art Gallery
We couldn't get inside the days we were there but this place has a load of Kurdish Art which for sure will be unique and interesting.
So all in all Dohuk is a marvellous town to go backpacking in. It's clear that there is a lot to see and do in this charming Kurdish town in the northern part of Iraq. Safe travels.
My top 5 things to do in Dohuk
1. Promenade Walk: The Corniche
Running long and windingly through the city, and right out to Dohuk Dam, this trendy and smart looking promenade makes a fresh and relaxing walk. Students hang around to study, old men chat, kids mess around and the big city carries on regardless up above. I ended up walking almost the whole way along it. That was probably too much - it needs a bit of work done to it, but it's pleasant enough.
2. Dohuk Valley and Dam
This might just be your highlight from Dohuk. Walk out of town and you will see a massive dam which has been built against completely immaculate and scenic countryside. The walk takes you up a hill past a proud Kurdistan flag and then there it is - the Dohuk Dam.
The valley spreads far and wide and the views are worth it.
3. The Dohuk Waterfall
Amazingly in Dohuk they have created these fake waterfalls which make for a cool tourist attraction. The locals love to walk past them and enjoy them. Photo taking also happens a lot here. The waterfalls are on the edge of town.
4. Dohuk Bazaar
It seems that every city or town of any decent size in Iran, Iraq and Turkey has a bazaar. Dohuk's is colourful and has all the usual stuff - fruit and veg stalls, drinks, clothes, nik baks, electronics etc.
5. Dohuk Art Gallery
We couldn't get inside the days we were there but this place has a load of Kurdish Art which for sure will be unique and interesting.
So all in all Dohuk is a marvellous town to go backpacking in. It's clear that there is a lot to see and do in this charming Kurdish town in the northern part of Iraq. Safe travels.
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To read a load more cool stories from wandering in Iraq head over to Jonny Blair's quality travel blog which has tips and also features documents on travelling in Dohuk
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